Prime Minister’s favourability surges post-election win

Sir Keir Starmer appears to be experiencing a positive wave of public sentiment following his election as Prime Minister, according to a poll by Ipsos conducted a week after the general election. The survey revealed that 40% of respondents hold a favourable view of Sir Keir, a six-point increase compared to the final week of the campaign. Meanwhile, unfavourable views dropped from 41% to 33%, marking his first net positive approval rating with Ipsos since October 2022 during Liz Truss’s brief tenure.

Ipsos director of politics, Keiran Pedley, commented, “These findings indicate a honeymoon period for Keir Starmer, with more Britons now viewing him favourably and expressing optimism about his Government’s potential for positive change.” However, Pedley also highlighted that Labour voters have high expectations, particularly for public service funding and NHS improvements.

The poll found that 80% of Labour supporters anticipate enhancements to the NHS within the next year, while three-quarters expect increased public spending. Among the general public, 57% foresee NHS improvements, and 55% predict a rise in public service funding.

Pedley added, “For the new Government, there is no time to waste in addressing the public’s key priorities.” Sir Keir’s favourability also positions him as the most popular major politician in the survey, ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.